(square roots of the identity matrix) For how many 2x2 matrices A is it true that A^2=I ? Now answer the same question for n x n matrices where n>2

Chardonnay Felix

Chardonnay Felix

Answered question

2021-03-08

(square roots of the identity matrix) For how many 2×2 matrices A is it true that A2=I ? Now answer the same question for n×x n matrices where n>2

Answer & Explanation

au4gsf

au4gsf

Skilled2021-03-09Added 95 answers

Step 1
To find how many matricec A of order 2 exists such that A2=I
Here we have to find A2=A×A=I
Let us consider any arbitrary matrix of order 2. A=(abcd)
Then A2 is given by A2=(abcd)(abcd)=(a2+bcab+bdca+dcd2+bc)
Now from A2=I , we get A2=(a2+bcb(a+d)c(a+d)d2+bc)=(1001)=I
(1)a2+bc=1
(2)d2+bc=1
(3)b(a+d)=0
(3)c(a+d)=0
Step 2
Case 1:
If (a+d)0
From (3) we get : b=0
From (4) we get : c=0
From (1) we get : a2=1a=±1
From (2) we get : d2=1d=±1
Therefore we get the matrix of the form
{A=(a00d):a=±1,d=±1} Therefore there are only 4 matrices exist such that A2=I from case 1.
Step 3
Case 2:
If (a+d)=0
sub case a:
If a=0 , that implies d=0
Then from(1 ) and (2) , we get : bc=1c=b1=1b in real numbers.
Therefore we get the matrix of the form
{A=(0aa10):aF} Therefore there are infinitely many matrices exist if the field is the set of real numbers such that A2=I
Step 4
We can also consider further subcases to find the type of involuntary matrices, but as the question is asked to find how many, we have already got infinitely many 2×2 matrices of such type.
Similarly for any n>2 , we can find infinitely many matrices satisfying this condition on the field of real numbers.

Jeffrey Jordon

Jeffrey Jordon

Expert2022-01-22Added 2605 answers

Answer is given below (on video)

Jeffrey Jordon

Jeffrey Jordon

Expert2022-01-30Added 2605 answers

Answer is given below (on video)

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?